Westbury events to offer dyslexia and SEND advice

Two events will take place in Westbury this month to raise awareness of dyslexia and support local families with questions about the new SEND reforms.

The events will be held on Thursday 29th and Friday 30th October at Westbury Library.

An SEN advisory teacher from Wiltshire Council’s Specialist SEN Service and a SEND Service representative will be on hand to offer advice and answer questions from families about dyslexia, support in schools and how the new SEND reforms may affect them.

The sessions have been organised by Westbury councillor Boaz Barry, who has made dyslexia awareness and support for other neurodiversities one of his priorities since being elected to Wiltshire Council.

“Being dyslexic myself, I know the struggles,” said Cllr Barry. “Dyslexia isn’t just about reading and writing; without the right support it can slowly strip away your confidence and self-worth, and shape how you grow from a child into an adult. But with the right support, it doesn’t just help a child read, it gives them back their belief in themselves.”

Of the 26 schools in Wiltshire that hold the British Dyslexia Association’s Dyslexia Friendly Quality Mark, none are in Westbury.

“My hope is that every school in Westbury will go on to achieve the Dyslexia Friendly Quality Mark,” Cllr Barry added. “It would make a real difference to the young people of Westbury, and I will be doing everything I can to help make it happen.”

The events will take place during Dyslexia Awareness Month, with the first on Thursday 29th October from 2pm to 4pm and the second on Friday 30th October from 9.30am to 12pm. No booking is required.

Pictured: Cllr Boaz Barry